Client Server Communication

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series supports a single 802.11g radio. Users can enjoy up to 54 Mbps data rates while maintaining full backward compatibility with legacy 802.11b devices. Administrators can configure the access point to support both 802.11g and legacy 802.11b clients for investment protection, or for higher performance, the access point can be configured to support only 802.11g clients. The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series also features an innovative mounting system for easy installation and reliable coverage in a variety of locations and orientations.

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series is a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, a comprehensive solution that delivers an integrated, end-to-end wired and wireless network. Using the radio and network management features of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network for simplified deployment, the Cisco Aironet 1100 Series extends the security, scalability, reliability, ease of deployment, and manageability available in wired networks to the wireless LAN.

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series is available in two versions: unified or autonomous. Unified access points operate with the Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) and work in conjunction with Cisco wireless LAN controllers and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS). When configured with LWAPP, the Cisco Aironet 1100 Series can automatically detect the best-available Cisco wireless LAN controller and download appropriate policies and configuration information with no manual intervention. Autonomous access points are based on Cisco IOS® Software and may optionally operate with the CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE). Autonomous access points, along with the CiscoWorks WLSE, deliver a core set of features and may be field-upgraded to take advantage of the full benefits of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network as requirements evolve.

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series is part of the award-winning Cisco Wireless Security Suite, which supports 802.11i, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), WPA and numerous Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) types. WPA and WPA2 are the Wi-Fi Alliance certifications for interoperable, standards-based WLAN security. These certifications support IEEE 802.1X for user-based authentication, Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) for WPA encryption, and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for WPA2 encryption. These certifications help to ensure interoperability between Wi-Fi-certified WLAN devices from different manufacturers.

The hardware-accelerated AES encryption of Cisco Aironet 1100 Series Access Points supports enterprise-class, government-grade secure encryption over the WLAN without compromising performance. IEEE 802.1X authentication helps to ensure that only authorized users are allowed on the network. Backward compatibility for WPA client devices running TKIP, the RC4 encryption algorithm, is also supported.

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series defines enterprise office deployment capability. Designed in an attractive, durable plastic enclosure, with integrated diversity dipole antennas, the Cisco Aironet 1100 Series can be quickly deployed with a reliable, omnidirectional coverage pattern. Supported in various mounting orientations and locations, it can be easily moved throughout the work area as needs change (Figure 2). A standard, surface-mounting bracket supports installation on office walls and ceilings for elevated placement. UL 2043 certification for the plenum rating requirements set by local fire codes supports installation in environmental air spaces such as areas above suspended ceilings. The design protects against tampering and theft using single- or master-keyed padlocks. The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series can also be brought into the cubicle space with a cubicle wall-mounting bracket or device stand. The device stand positions the access point on any horizontal surface, such as a desktop or shelf. Theft is deterred in these installations using the security slot with standard security cables. Support for either local or inline Power over Ethernet further simplifies installation. The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series is Wi-Fi certified to ensure interoperability with other IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b devices.